Eleven years after his NBA playoff debut, LeBron James is now the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring leader.
James took over the crown with with a deep 3-pointer from the left wing with 2:40 left in the third quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The shot gave him 29 points for the game and 5,989 points for his postseason career. Jordan’s mark of 5,987 points stood for 19 years.
James reached the scoring mark in his 212th game. Jordan set the mark in 179 games.
Career Scoring Leaders — NBA Playoffs
1. LeBron James 5,989 points
2. Michael Jordan 5,987 points
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 5,762 points
4. Kobe Bryant 5,640 points
5. Shaquille O’Neal 5,250 points
6. Tim Duncan 5,172 points
7. Karl Malone 4,761 points
8. Jerry West 4,457 points
9. Tony Parker 4,012 points
10. Larry Bird 3,897 points
Before Game 5, James said when he passes Jordan he will cherish the honor, but the category does not define who he is as a player.
“I’ve always told you guys, any time I’m linked to any of the greats and even the greatest in Mike, it’s an honor,” James said. “It’s a tribute to what I’ve been able to do with this game.”
James has already appeared in more NBA Finals than Jordan, but His Airness still leads James in several significant categories, including championship rings (six to three), MVP awards (five to four) and regular-season scoring titles (10 to one).
James ranks third in playoff assists, trailing only Magic Johnson and John Stockton. He also ranks second in playoff steals, trailing Scottie Pippen.
By NBA News
